Bank of America Accused of 'Bait and Switch' in Credit Card Lawsuit

Bank of America is facing a proposed class action lawsuit from a group of customers who allege that the U.S. financial giant has engaged in deceptive practices with its credit card offerings. The lawsuit, filed by plaintiff Jean-Baptiste Boyer-Gomez, centers around the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard, which BofA promised would provide new customers with 70,000 bonus miles and 40 experience points upon spending $3,000 within 90 days.

However, Boyer-Gomez claims that the bank has routinely short-changed customers by applying a different promotional offer without proper notice. Instead of the promised 70,000 bonus miles and 40 experience points, customers received only 50,000 bonus miles and 60 experience points, with a lower spending threshold. The estimated difference in value between the two offers is at least $200.

The lawsuit alleges that BofA's actions constitute a "bait and switch" tactic, which is a deceptive practice where a business lures customers in with one offer, only to switch them to a less desirable offer once they have committed. The suit seeks damages, restitution, injunctive relief, and class certification to address and cease Bank of America's alleged deceptive practices.

BofA has not yet responded to the accusations, but the lawsuit claims that Boyer-Gomez sent a letter to the bank detailing the issue and received a response from the lender that denied any wrongdoing. The case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the allegations against Bank of America.